Project update - January 2023
31 January 2023
Welcoming the new year
Happy new year!
It looks like 2023 will be another big year for offshore wind.
We look forward to keeping in touch with you and sharing updates as we continue work on Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project.
We’ve got a lot planned for 2023 including:
Applying for a ‘Feasibility Licence’ from the Australian Government
Continuing to study the local environment and progress our environmental assessments
Working with and supporting Traditional Owners, local communities and fishers
Attending local events to share updates and answer questions.
Our team is excited for another big year working to bring offshore wind to Gippsland
Back on the water for fish surveys
We’re planning to be out on the water for two weeks in February to survey pelagic fish.
Pelagic fish such as yellowtail kingfish, southern bluefin tuna and salmon, live closer to the surface, sometimes swim in schools and move often and quickly. For this reason, they can be challenging to survey.
Summer is the best time for this survey because there’s usually more fish in the water.
Scientists from RPS and Deakin University will lead the study, using local vessels and crew who know the area.
We’ll use underwater video cameras fitted with bait to attract fish, and line fishing to survey the size and age of the fish.
This study will give us a better understanding of the types of pelagic fish species in the area and how we can best monitor them in the future.
These investigations are co-funded with the Victorian Government through the Energy Innovation Fund.
Meet Port Welshpool Coast Guard’s newest recruit
This month we visited the Port Welshpool Coast Guard to meet Bert the rescue dummy.
Bert is used to train Coast Guard volunteers. He’s thrown overboard during training to practice pulling someone out of the water.
This isn’t easy, given Bert weighs 65kg when wet and is the same size as an adult with moving arms and legs.
Flotilla Commander Robin said Bert is giving volunteers a more realistic experience during training - especially when compared with the old buoy they used to use.
We’re pleased to play a small part in supporting the incredible Coast Guard volunteers by helping with funding to purchase Bert.
Thanks to Peter, Robin and Maggie for giving us a tour of the new facilities and introducing us to Bert
Join us at the Ultimate Fishing Expo in February
Come celebrate all things recreational fishing at the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Ultimate Fishing Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 18-19 February.
We’ll be there to answer questions and hear feedback about Star of the South.
Our summer out and about in Gippsland
During January we attended the Sea Days Festival in Port Welshpool and the Yarram Rotary Charity Golf Day.
Thanks to everyone who stopped to talk with us about the project, offshore wind and what’s happening in 2023.
And a special shout-out to the hard-working event organisers.
If you missed us, our Gippsland Office is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 am–5 pm at 310 Commercial Road Yarram. Pop in for a cuppa and a chat about offshore wind if you’re in town.
Jason and Jonathan at the Sea Days Festival in Port Welshpool